Office-Based Lymphatic Supermicrosurgery: Supermicrosurgical Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis at an Outpatient Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has become popular for the treatment of compression-refractory lymphedema. With advancement of navigation tools, LVA can be performed with more ease and safety, allowing office-based LVA at an outpatient clinic. METHODS: Office-based LVA was performed on patients with compression-refractory secondary extremity lymphedema by a well-experienced supermicrosurgeon (T.Y.) under local infiltration anesthesia. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and vein visualizer were used to localize vessels preoperatively. A stereoscopic microscope (Leica S6E, Leica Microsystems, Germany) or a relatively small operative microscope (OPMI pico, Carl Zeiss, Germany) was used for LVA. Operative records and postoperative results were reviewed to evaluate feasibility of office-based LVA. RESULTS: LVAs were performed on 27 arms and 42 legs, which resulted in 131 anastomoses via 117 incisions. ICG lymphography stage included stage II in 47 limbs, and stage III in 22 limbs. Time required for one LVA procedure (from skin incision to skin closure in one surgical field) ranged from 13 to 37 minutes (average, 24.9 minutes). One year after LVA, all cases showed significant volume reduction (lymphedematous volume reduction; 0.5-23.6%, average 13.23%). No postoperative complication was observed. CONCLUSION: LVA can be performed with safety and effectiveness outside an operation theater. Patient selection, precise preoperative mapping, and experience of a surgeon are key to successful office-based LVA.

Dermal-adipose lymphatic flap venous wrapping: A novel lymphaticovenous shunt method for progression of upper extremity lymphedema with severe lymphosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Upper extremity lymphedema (UEL) causes a significant deterioration in the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Lymphaticovenous shunt creation will address the pathophysiology of obstructive UEL; however, its efficacy has been limited for those with UEL progression due to lymphosclerosis. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of a new lymphaticovenous shunt method for progression of UEL. METHODS: A total of 37 patients who had undergone dermal-adipose lymphatic flap venous wrapping (DALF-VW) for the treatment of UEL progression refractory to previous lymphaticovenular anastomosis were included. A DALF was created where indocyanine green lymphography had shown dermal backflow and was wrapped with a reflux-free recipient vein. The patients' medical records were reviewed to obtain the clinical and intraoperative findings. The patient and vessel characteristics and postoperative results were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients with unilateral UEL were included. All DALF-VW procedures were performed under local infiltration anesthesia, with 98 shunts created in 37 limbs (2.6 shunts per limb). The diameter of the vein used for DALF-VW ranged from 1.7 to 3.3 mm (average, 2.39 mm). The operative time ranged from 25 to 139 minutes (average, 47.8 minutes). The differences in the lymphedema quality of life score (45.6 ± 21.1 vs 32.5 ± 21.1; P = .009), UEL index (131.4 ± 18.2 vs 123.1 ± 16.4; P = .042), and frequency of cellulitis (0.8 ± 1.3 vs 0.2 ± 0.5 times annually; P = .010) before and after DALF-VW were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: DALF-VW was effective for UEL progression that was refractory to previous lymphaticovenular anastomosis surgery. DALF-VW could be a useful option for UEL progression with severe lymphosclerosis.

Indocyanine Green Lymphography for Evaluation of Breast Lymphedema Secondary to Breast Cancer Treatments.

BACKGROUND: Although breast lymphedema (BL) significantly deteriorates quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors, little is known and pathophysiological severity staging system is yet reported. This study aimed to evaluate usefulness of a novel BL severity staging system based on indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography findings. METHODS: Breast cancer survivors with breast symptoms who underwent breast ICG lymphography were included. Breast ICG lymphography stage was determined based on visibility of linear pattern and extension of dermal backflow patterns. Prevalence of breast symptoms and lymphedema QOL score (LeQOLiS) was compared according to the stage. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included. Breast ICG lymphography stage included stage 0 in 11 (29.7%) cases, stage I in 3 (8.1%) cases, stage II in 11 (29.7%) cases, stage III in 6 (16.2%) cases, stage IV in 4 (10.8%) cases, and stage V in 2 (5.4%) cases. Higher ICG stages were associated with more frequent prevalence of breast swelling (p = 0.020), breast pain (p = 0.238), and breast cellulitis (p = 0.024), and with higher LeQOLiS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ICG lymphography allows clear visualization of superficial lymph circulation in the breast. Higher breast ICG lymphography stages are associated with more frequent prevalence of BL-related symptoms and worse QOL.

Domino Free Flap Transfer Using a Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap for the Toe Flap Donor Site.

BACKGROUND: Toe-to-hand transfer is a favorable option for finger reconstruction, but donor site healing can be challenging. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap has yet to be used widely for toe reconstruction. The purpose of this report was to validate the efficacy of the sequential simultaneous free SCIP flap transfer for the toe flap donor site in a consecutive case series. METHODS: The medical records of 18 consecutive patients who underwent a simultaneous SCIP flap transfer and a toe-to-hand transplant were reviewed. Free SCIP flap reconstruction was performed in a simultaneous 2-team approach. The SCIP flaps were transferred to various toe flap donor sites: a great toe wraparound flap in 9 cases, a second toe distal phalangeal flap in 4 cases, a great toe osteo-onycho-cutaneous flap in 3 cases, a twisted wraparound flap in 1 case, and a great toe hemipulp flap in 1 case. RESULTS: The size of the SCIP flap ranged from 5 × 3 to 16 × 8 cm. A mean of the total operative time was 229.2 minutes (range, 118-441 minutes; SD, 75.8 minutes). All the SCIP and toe flaps survived completely. Minor wound dehiscence was seen in 2 cases, and the wound healed by conservative treatment. The mean follow-up period was 23.7 months (range, 7-44 months; SD, 9.7 months). No patient had gait dysfunction postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A sequential SCIP flap transfer was performed simultaneously without additional time, allowing secure soft tissue coverage of the toe flap donor even with avascular tissue such as bone or tendon exposed. The sequential SCIP flap transfer can be a useful option for reconstruction of toe flap donor site, when multiple microsurgeons and microscopes are available.

Free double-paddle superficial circumflex iliac perforator flap transfer for partial maxillectomy reconstruction: A case report.

Partial maxillectomy for maxillary sinus cancer treatment requires soft tissue reconstruction with enough bulk to occupy the large-volume defect. Deep inferior epigastric artery-based flaps and subscapular artery-based flaps are commonly used, but necessitate invasive muscle dissection or position change and a large recipient vessel. The aim of this report was to present a case of partial maxillectomy defect successfully reconstructed with a superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP) flap, to address these drawbacks. A 67-year-old female underwent partial maxillectomy for maxillary sinus cancer. The defects included the medial and the caudal aspects of the maxillary sinus with unilateral palate loss. A double-paddle SCIP flap (19 × 9 cm and 10 × 6 cm) was elevated in a free-style manner based on the superficial branches of the SICA. The SCIP and its concomitant vein were anastomosed to a facial artery perforator and the angular vein with supermicrosurgical perforator-to-perforator anastomosis. Two skin paddles were utilized to reconstruct the defects of the nasal wall and the oral aspects of the palate. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient could resume normal oral diet 5 days after surgery. Three years after surgery, there was no cancer recurrence or any postoperative complication, and the patient was satisfied with normal speech and diet, and with concealable donor and recipient scars. Double-paddle SCIP flap transfer may be an option for reconstruction of a partial maxillectomy defect.

Expanding indication of free hypothenar flap transfer: Sequential pedicled ulnar palm flap transfer to a relatively large hypothenar flap donor site.

BACKGROUND: Free hypothenar flap (HTF) transfer allows sensible soft tissue reconstruction of the fingertip. However, HTF is basically indicated for a relatively small soft tissue defect, as width of an HTF is limited up to approximately 20 mm to allow primary donor site closure. Combined with sequential local flap to an HTF donor site, a larger HTF can be used without the contracture risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility of free HTF transfer and sequential ulnar palm flap (UPF) transfer (HTF-UPF) for relatively large fingertip reconstructions. METHODS: Medical charts of patients who underwent HTF-UPF for fingertip reconstruction were reviewed. An HTF was designed transversely proximal to the proximal palmar crease, and a slightly smaller hemi-spindle-shaped UPF was designed longitudinally on the mid-lateral aspect of the ulnar palm; the UPF was used to close the HTF donor site. Patient and flap characteristics, intra-operative findings, and postoperative results were evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve patients with average age of 42.7 years were included. HTF-UPF procedure was performed on 12 fingers. HTF's length/width ranged from 45/20 to 70/40 mm (average, 52.5/32.1 mm). UPF's length/width ranged from 40/20 to 55/30 mm (average, 46.7/24.2 mm). Time for sequential UPF transfer ranged from 3 to 9 min (average, 5.1 min). All HTFs and UPFs survived without flap necrosis or scar contracture. Postoperative sensation was comparable with the contralateral fingertip. CONCLUSIONS: HTF-UPF procedure allows relatively large fingertip reconstruction with a minimum risk of HTF donor site contracture.

An extended superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap transfer for a relatively-small breast reconstruction after total mastectomy.

Superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP) flap has been applied in various reconstructions. Unlike traditional groin flap, SCIP flap has a longer pedicle and can be used as a chimeric flap for complex reconstruction. By utilizing both the superficial and the deep branches of the SCIA, a SCIP flap can be raised as an extended large bulky flap. Although there are many articles reporting usefulness of SCIP flap, there is no case reporting a large SCIP flap transfer for breast reconstruction after total mastectomy. We applied a free extended SCIP flap for a case of post-total-mastectomy breast reconstruction. A 51-year-old female who had undergone total mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy was referred for autologous tissue breast reconstruction. Physical exam revealed that the iliac and lower abdominal regions were suitable for a donor site. As the patient desired to preserve a similar donor site for possible future contralateral breast reconstruction, the iliac region was selected as a donor site. A 23 × 15 cm SCIP flap was elevated based on the superficial and the deep branches of the SCIA, and was transferred to the recipient site. The SCIA and concomitant vein were anastomosed to the lateral thoracic artery and vein in an end-to-end fashion. Postoperative course was uneventful. The reconstructed breast shape and texture were similar to the contralateral breast with no donor site complication, and the patient was very satisfied with functionally and esthetically pleasing results. Extended SCIP flap may be an option for relatively-small breast reconstruction.

Radical reduction and reconstruction for male genital elephantiasis: Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) lymphatic flap transfer after elephantiasis tissue resection.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of elephantiasis, the most severe lymphedema, is challenging. Management of male genital elephantiasis (MGE) is even more challenging than extremity elephantiasis due to its complicated shape and high risk of lymphorrhea and cellulitis. Complete resection of fibrous tissue and lymphatic reconstruction is considered to be ideal for the treatment of MGE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of radical reduction and reconstruction (3R) for isolated MGE. METHODS: Medical charts of patients who underwent 3R were reviewed. The 3R operation consisted of genital fibrous tissue resection and reconstruction of soft tissue and lymphatic structure using superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) lymphatic flap transfer (LFT). No compression was applied postoperatively. Patient and flap characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative results were evaluated. RESULTS: Seven patients were included. MGE included isolated scrotal elephantiasis in 4 cases, and scrotal and penile elephantiasis in 3 cases. Resected tissue volume ranged from 609 to 2304 grams (average, 1511.0 grams). SCIP-LFT was performed in all cases; pedicled full-thickness SCIP-LFT for scrotal reconstruction in all cases, and SCIP pure-skin-perforator flap transfer for penile reconstruction in 3 cases. There was no postoperative genital complication or evidence of genital lymphedema recurrence in the mean follow-up period of 22.7 months. Genital lymphedema scores significantly improved postoperatively (6.7 ± 1.8 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 3R operation allowed one-stage curative treatment for MGE. LFT has the potential to play an essential role in the prevention of postoperative wound complications and lymphedema recurrence after radical resection of fibrotic tissue.

Lymph-interpositional-flap transfer (LIFT) based on lymph-axiality concept: Simultaneous soft tissue and lymphatic reconstruction without lymph node transfer or lymphatic anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic system is important to maintain homeostasis. Lymph-axiality concept has been reported, which suggests possibility of lymphatic reconstruction using flap transfer without lymph node or supermicrosurgical lymphatic anastomosis. METHODS: Medical charts of 122 free flap reconstruction cases, either with conventional flap transfer (control) or lymph-interpositional-flap transfer (LIFT), for extremity soft tissue defects including lymphatic pathways were reviewed. Lymph vessels' stumps in a flap were placed as close to those in a recipient site as possible under indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography navigation in LIFT group. LIFT group was subdivided into LIFT(+) and LIFT(-) groups; lymph vessels' stumps could be approximated within 2 cm in LIFT(+) group, whereas those could not be in LIFT(-) group. Lymph flow restoration (LFR) and lymphedema development (LED) rates were compared between the groups on postoperative 6 months. RESULTS: No flap included lymph node. LFR was observed in 50 cases and LED in 72 cases. LFR rate in LIFT group (n = 75) was significantly higher than that in control group (n = 47) (57.3% vs. 14.9%; P < 0.001). LED rate in LIFT group was significantly lower than that in control group (20.0% vs. 48.9%; P < 0.001). Sub-group analysis showed significantly higher LFR and lower LED rates in LIFT(+) group (n = 44) than those in LIFT(-) group (n = 31; 88.6% vs. 12.9%; P < 0.001, 4.5% vs. 41.9%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LIFT allows simultaneous soft tissue and lymphatic reconstruction without lymph node transfer or lymphatic anastomosis, which prevents development of secondary lymphedema.

Subdermal Dissection for Elevation of Pure Skin Perforator Flaps and Superthin Flaps: The Dermis as a Landmark for the Most Superficial Dissection Plane.

BACKGROUND: Pure skin perforator and superthin flaps have been reported and are becoming popular, as they allow one-stage thin skin reconstruction even from a thick donor site. However, currently reported elevation procedures use proximal-to-distal dissection requiring free-style perforator selection and primary thinning procedures. With distal-to-proximal dissection using the dermis as a landmark for dissection plane, it is expected that elevation of pure skin perforator or superthin flaps can be simplified. METHODS: Patients who underwent pure skin perforator or superthin flap transfers with the subdermal dissection technique were included. Flaps were designed based on location of pure skin perforators visualized on color Doppler ultrasound, and elevated just below the dermis under an operating microscope. Medical charts were reviewed to obtain clinical and intraoperative findings. Characteristics of the patients, flaps, and postoperative courses were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-six flaps were transferred in 34 patients, all of which were elevated as true perforator flaps (superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap in 29 cases, other perforator flaps in seven cases). Mean ± SD flap thickness was 2.24 ± 0.77 mm (range, 1.0 to 4.0 mm). Skin flap size ranged from 3.5 × 2 cm to 27 × 8 cm. Time for flap elevation was 27.4 ± 11.6 minutes. All flaps survived without flap atrophy/contracture 6 months after surgery, except for two cases of partial necrosis. CONCLUSION: The subdermal elevation technique allows straightforward and direct elevation of a pure skin perforator or superthin flap within 30 minutes on average without the necessity of primary thinning. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Thoracoacromial artery and vein as main recipient vessels in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap transfer for breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The internal mammary artery/vein (IMA/V) are commonly used recipients for free flap breast reconstruction, but requires costal cartilage resection and limits future use of the IMA. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the thoracoacromial artery/vein (TAA/V) as recipients for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction compared with using the IMA/V. METHODS: Medical charts of patients who underwent free DIEP flap breast reconstruction using the TAA/V or the IMA/V as recipient vessels were reviewed. Patient and vessel characteristics, time for vessel preparation and anastomosis, and postoperative pain were compared between TAA/V and IMA/V groups. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included; 12 in TAA/V group, and 22 in IMA/V group. There was no flap failure in both groups. There were statistically significant differences between TAA/V and IMA/V groups in vessel preparation time (10.9 ± 3.7 min vs. 24.1 ± 6.0 min, p < .001), anastomosis time (31.2 ± 12.1 min vs. 42.1 ± 11.2 min, p = .017), and total dose of acetaminophen (4566.7 ± 1015.6 mg vs. 5436.4 ± 1323.3 mg, p = .041). CONCLUSIONS: The TAA/V could be safely used as recipient vessels for DIEP flap breast reconstruction with shorter time and less postoperative pain.

A triple-component deep inferior epigastric artery perforator chimeric free flap for three-dimensional reconstruction of a complex knee defect complicated with patella osteomyelitis.

Reconstruction of a complex knee defect is challenging, especially when complicated with osteomyelitis. Complex knee defect requires multi-component three-dimensional reconstruction using a chimeric flap. Although anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is the most workhorse chimeric flap, another chimeric flap is required when ALT flap is not available. In this report, we present a case of complex knee defect successfully treated with a free triple-component chimeric deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap transfer. A 36 year-old male sustained right above-knee amputation and Gustilo IIIB open fracture of the left patella after being run over by a train. Stump formation was performed for the right limb amputation, and the left knee wound resulted in skin necrosis complicated with patella osteomyelitis. After debridement, the left knee wound showed a 3 × 2 cm articular capsule defect, 5 × 2 cm exposed patella stump, and a 16 × 9 cm skin defect. A triple-component chimeric DIEP flap, containing a 7 × 3 cm rectus abdominis muscle (RAM), a 3 × 2 cm RAM's fascia, and a 23 × 10 cm skin was transferred. The RAM's fascia was used to reconstruct the joint, the RAM to cover the exposed patella's stump and the reconstructed joint, and the skin paddle to cover the skin defect. Six months after the surgery, the patient could walk without osteomyelitis recurrence, and there was no limitation in the left knee joint's range of motion. Although indication is limited, a multi-component chimeric DIEP flap may be an option for three-dimensional reconstruction of a complex defect.

Supermicrosurgery for oncologic reconstructions.

With advancement of microsurgical techniques, supermicrosurgery has been developed. Supermicrosurgery allows manipulation (dissection and anastomosis) of vessels and nerves with an external diameter of 0.5 mm or smaller. Because quality of life of cancer survivors is becoming a major issue, less invasive and functionally-better oncological reconstruction using supermicrosurgical techniques attracts attention. Conventional free flap reconstruction usually sacrifices major vessels and muscle functions, whereas supermicrosurgical free flaps can be transferred from anywhere using innominate vessels without sacrifice of major vessel/muscle. Since a 0.1-0.5 mm vessel can be anastomosed, patient-oriented least invasive reconstruction can be accomplished with supermicrosurgery. Another important technique is lymphatic anastomosis. Only with supermicrosurgery, lymph vessels can be securely anastomosed, because lymph vessel diameter is usually smaller than 0.5 mm. With clinical application of lymphatic supermicrosurgery, various least invasive lymphatic reconstruction has become possible. Lymphatic reconstruction plays an important role in prevention and treatment of lymphatic diseases following oncologic surgery such as lymphedema, lymphorrhea, and lymphocyst. With supermicrosurgery, various tissues such as skin/fat, fascia, bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, and nerves can be used in combination to reconstruct complicated defects; including 3-dimensional inset with multi-component tissue transfer.

Technical pearls in lymphatic supermicrosurgery.

Lymphedema is becoming a major public issue with improvement of cancer survival rate, as the disease is incurable and progressive in nature, and the number of cancer survivor with lymphedema is increasing over time. Surgical treatment is recommended for progressive lymphedema, especially when conservative therapies are ineffective. Among various lymphedema surgeries, supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is becoming popular with its effectiveness and least invasiveness. There are many technical knacks and pitfalls in LVA surgery. In preoperative evaluation, indocyanine green lymphography is recommended for considering indication and incision sites. Intraoperatively, intravascular stenting method, temporary lymphatic expansion maneuver, field-rotating retraction, and several navigation methods are useful. The most important postoperative care is immediate compression after LVA surgery. Compression is critical to keep lymphatic pressure higher than venous pressure, allowing continuous lymph-to-venous bypass flow. These technical pearls should be shared with lymphedema surgeons for better lymphedema management.